We love tradition here at the Woodstock Inn on the Millstream. Our returning guests and the families whose children have grown up playing along the stream – from toddlers to teenagers – all bring us a sense of joy. We love the rhythm of the seasons and the constant, subtle but beautiful reminder that time moves forward.
In 2018 we’re wholeheartedly embracing some changes to make your experience here a bit friendlier and easier. For starters, we can be reached by text. Yes, we’ve dedicated a new line (845-663-8152) to meet your every need. From bookings, wanting softer pillows or just seeking a weather update for your upcoming visit, we’re available. Don’t fret – of course we will still be here in the lobby, eagerly meeting your needs. We may embrace technology but we still know nothing replaces the human connectedness in life.
Also, we will be rolling out a new web site in 2018. It’s been a ton of behind-the-scenes work, but we’re excited it’s nearing completion. Let us know what you think. It’s designed to be more intuitive and mobile friendly, so booking should be a bit easier. However, we are still using the same reservation system, so it should not be a big change when you get to the final step in booking. If you have any challenges just call (or text!) me directly and we’ll be sure and book you exactly the room you desire (if available, of course.)
We do expect the site will bring an increase in new folks checking us out, so established guests who want to return for a specific time or room – especially in summer or fall – be sure and book early. After all, nothing better than some changes to remind us just how comforting some traditions – such as visiting the Millstream – really are. Happy 2018 – we’re looking forward to a year of love and laughter and sharing it with all our guests – you mean so much to us. Thanks for your loyalty.

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The fall season is beautiful here. The weather is so invigorating you just want to get up early and embrace the day. With so many activities and options it’s hard to decide just what to do first, but here are a few of the favorite activities locals enjoy.

A hike or a walk is the perfect way to get the body moving.
Enthusiastic hikers hit Overlook Mountain Trail. The trailhead is just a seven minute drive from the Inn, and your effort along the 4.5 mile trail will be rewarded with amazing views from the fire tower (on a clear day you can see five states!) The start of the trail is steep, but it really is worth the climb. There is a ruin of an old hotel, as well as awesome views from the summit.
A special treat is also at the trailhead, as it is directly across from the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Buddhist temple, which welcomes guests and offers an awe-inspiring visit for all. (Insider’s tip – Park only in the designated parking lot. Parking tickets here are $150 each!)
People wanting an easier saunter are encouraged to enjoy a walk or bike ride along the paved trail on the Ashokan Reservoir. The setting is ringed by the Catskills, and it’s not uncommon to see eagles, deer and other wildlife nearby. (During spring nesting season part of the 5 + mile trail is closed to protect the eaglets.) Go as far along the trail as you want, and simply turn around, as it’s an out and back trail that is part of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

Options for food and beverage in the Hudson Valley have been expanding for the past two years, and Woodstock is a proud destination spot for people who value the farm to table, local movement. New and established eateries offer everything from quick snacks to full-course meals.

And, of course, our favorite activity is watching the leaves change right in our backyard. The stream is a beautiful sanctuary enjoyed by our guests. With chairs, hammocks and picnic tables throughout the grounds, there are plenty of places to sit back, enjoy nature’s show and simply relax. in fact, that may be the most rewarding fall activity anyone can experience.

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This has been quite a summer. The consistent rain in June could have dampened expectations of summer fun but the sun broke through and the end product produced gardens that are lush, flowers that are bright and well nourished and gardens spilling over with fresh produce. It’s a great reminder, during these tumultuous times, to see beauty prevail.
And that reassuring response is evident throughout Woodstock, as new stores, restaurants and late-night offerings have given us so many entertainment, dining and shopping options. And they all seem to embrace the welcome, authentic attitude that Woodstock is built upon.
For dining and music options the re-opened and re-furbished Colony Cafe is offering a welcome addition of early and late-night musical entertainment, great food and weekend brunch options, while the A&P bar is mixing it up in innovative ways, making it a must visit nightspot for locals and visitors. Meanwhile SILVIA, at the old Joyous Lake, is getting positive reviews for its upscale organic menu and R&R taproom is a proving to be a comfortable place to relax and meet friends for a refreshing drink and great conversation.
Of course these additions build upon favorite Woodstock stalwarts, including Joshua’s, Red Onion, Oriole 9, Catskill Mountain Pizza, Garden Cafe, New World Home Cooking and Cucina.
If anything is true, we Woodstock folks do enjoy a great meal out with friends and the ensuing community that experience creates. We’re located in the heart of the Farm to Table movement and it’s such a joy to have all these options available right in our small town.

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This May Woodstock women are rocking it! From the elite bicyclists who are rolling into town for the Woodstock Women’s Grand Prix bike event on May 6, through the many moms redeeming their Mother’s Day gift certificates, fun things are happening. (If you still need a gift, moms do love these certificates – whether she travels alone or with family members. You can order it here and we’ll also have a really nice T-shirt for her when she arrives – just let us know her travel dates and it’ll be our secret surprise waiting for her – shhh!)
But really, some years it seems Mother’s Day and spring take forever to get here. This year there certainly were lots of fits and starts to the warm weather (those faux “winter is gone” days followed by snow were NOT fun!) And the Grand Prix weather is still questionable with some rain possible. But once spring really arrives in all its glorious warmth and the flowers are blooming, well, you can’t help but smile. Watching nature rejuvenate itself is somehow extra reassuring when so many other things in life can be unpredictable.
In fact, it seems there’s a renewed interest in folks embracing staycations again. The summer months at the Inn are already filling up with couples and families and solo travelers who want to head to the mountains, or the galleries or the music venues – and also enjoy a comfy bed and warm shower! It’s so amazing that we have such varied activities right here in town – heck, right outside our doorstep is one of the most beautiful streams in the Catskills! It’s always a pleasure watching people enjoy their getaways. So often folks arrive stressed and with full agendas of what they will see and do, and within 24 hours they are simply sitting down by the stream, or swinging in the hammocks, content as can be. Their to-do lists and must sees are forgotten and the pure beauty of relaxation takes hold. It really is transformative on so many levels. Watching it happen is sheer joy and makes inn keeping so rewarding. Some days it’s so inspiring I chuck my own to-do list – at least for a bit – and smell the flowers and soak in the cool, fresh green and blue water of the stream and remember that indeed, it really is such a beautiful world – especially in springtime.

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Things are pretty crazy lately – from Woodstock to Washington change is on our mind. But the beautiful changes March brings to our community are so wonderful, we’re eagerly embracing them. In fact, here are a few of the best things about March in Woodstock.
– There is warm weather! And then there is cool weather! And then there is warm weather again! The only constant is change.
– There’s still snow at the ski resorts, but not on the village’s sidewalks.
– Everyone is coming out of hibernation and are ready to talk, visit and chat.
– The crocuses really do emerge – a visual testimony to the power of Mother Nature.
Traveling in March can present some challenges, but also opportunities. If your agenda includes cross country skiing on Saturday, but you wake up to temperatures in the mid 60s? Switch it up and go for a hike instead. Flexibility is such a great gift when traveling. It seems people who really enjoy their vacations are the ones who embrace moments when they arise, rather than sticking to rigid schedules. We see that all the time, as folks spend hours by the stream, entranced by nature’s mesmerizing beauty. (And its refreshing coolness in summer, which will be here before we know it!)
So enjoy the chance to slow down a bit – really get to visit with neighbors and friends. And enjoy the uncertainty of the March’s weather: snow arriving and disappearing converts the grounds into an ever-changing landscape, while the sun shining in the breakfast room recharges the soul. It takes a lot of effort to appreciate moments, rather than be disgruntled should plans need to change. But this month of transition offers so many ways to discover interesting and rewarding activities in Woodstock, you really should come on up and enjoy. And if you’re ever at a loss for activities, always feel free to reach out to Karen or Angela. They have the inside scoop of what’s happening near the Inn and love to share with folks.

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Last night I had a dream…in it I was walking around a city in the midst of much chaos. Looking around me I made the decision that I could not participate in the fighting …and so I started to flap wings which suddenly appeared where my arms had been. As I took off…people started to look up in astonishment and yell to me…”how are you doing that?? where are you going?” I soared higher and higher …as I passed through what seemed like layers and layers of stratospheres…I became lighter and lighter and more at peace. I thought to myself …am I dying? I never really got the answer to my question. I awoke for the first time in a long time with a sense of peace. We are at an amazing yet frightening time in the history of this nation. I do not pretend to know even one millionth of a fraction of what the hell is going on…but my dream has helped to refocus my energy towards solutions rather than obsessing on the problems or worse yet…adding to them.

The solution for me is to NOT give energy to hate…no matter the source. The solution for me is to engage in heartfelt, open discussions with those who are prepared to do the same. The solution for me is to drop my need to be RIGHT so that I can have those discussions. And finally to pray each and every day to a power greater than ourselves to guide this nation through these troubled times so that the phoenix will rise.

May peace and love guide us all…

Karen

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It’s funny, but the slowest months are sometimes the best. Yes, in the height of summer, when we’re fully booked and folks are swimming in the stream and the gardens are abloom, it is fun.
But this time of year it’s so nice to slow down a bit and really get to visit with neighbors and friends. This month devoted to love is especially welcome right now with all the recent craziness in the world and in our country. It’s special to just have unrushed time with loved ones, or even alone. Nothing like going for a hike, appreciating expansive views and the beauty found in a sparse winter landscape to put things in perspective.
At the Inn we’re so lucky to have close, constant encounters with nature. There are birds battling elements, the snow arriving and disappearing converts the grounds into an ever-changing landscape, while the sun shining in the breakfast room recharges the soul (or maybe that’s the second cup of fresh coffee taking effect?) It takes a lot of effort to appreciate moments and February offers that opportunity in many ways in Woodstock.Upstate Films continues to offer interesting movies and The Barn at Levon Helm’s has wonderful concerts every weekend this month! What an amazing venue and so proud of all those who are keeping the music going. Over at New World Home Cooking chef Rice Orlando is again preparing his annual “Safe Sex Valentine’s Dinner” which is always a fun, event-filled meal and of course, at the Inn we’re thrilled to be featuring our recently renovated Room 15 as Room of the Month for February. With its mantled, electric fireplace as the centerpiece this is the perfect sanctuary for winter.
The windows, dining area and private porch overlook the stream, the bath is luxurious with a shower and separate jetted tub. And the bed, with its cozy quilts, is so comfortable that getting out of it may be the most difficult hurdle you face when staying here. (As Room of the Month a 2-night stay in February includes a $100 gift certificate good for any return visit.)
We do like keeping it simple here, no matter the season. But there’s limited time to appreciate these snowy, and kind-of-slow, beautiful days in this shortest month, so let’s enjoy them while we can.

Karen is way more than an innkeeper! She’s a woman of action – whether it’s sweeping away dust or our post-election doldrums. Check out her lovely video and singing – and do know she’s determined to make our country a better place – one song at a time. Enjoy.

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It is amazing to think we are still surrounded by an ever-changing beautiful landscape here in Woodstock – and it’s almost the end of October! The Indian Summer kept the fall season at bay, and these past few weeks have simply been a wonderful gift from Mother Nature.

The bright red and orange colors that brightened the stream did get knocked out a bit with this weekend’s rainstorm, but the yellows and golds are still all around, colorfully altering the landscape. I keep thinking at some point I am going to choose a favorite season. But when I really reflect on it, it seems the season I am in is my favorite.

This summer was warm, and wonderful. There was little humidity and the days were perfect for languishing by the stream. Well, at least for guests. It is the busiest time of year for us, so it often feels like non-stop action behind the scenes, but seeing friends returning and meeting new ones always gives me pause. However, all too quickly the nights were encroaching earlier, the days were just a bit cooler and now, another season is here to steal my heart. I imagine when the snow falls it too will appeal to my senses.

Being reminded of time’s passage in such a dramatic way is humbling. On smart days we take time to reflect upon it, other days we just rush to play catch up. But for now, taking time to watch the warm sun stream through dancing yellow leaves seems the perfect way to spend an October afternoon.

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We’ve now wrapped up our photo contest and, with half the year gone, want to look back and share. We are once again amazed at the diversity, beauty and love that is evident in the submissions. People captured nature, each other and, of course, Woodstock in their pictures. And it was a joy looking at them, remembering a wonderful year featuring snow, blooming crocuses, the stream in summer and, of course, a glorious, ever-changing fall season. As always, it was tough picking the winning pictures, but here are the top three winners, plus three honorable mentions.
Michael Sable’s view of sitting by the stream garnered first place, while Jan Mclaren’s picture of the Inn’s duplex won second place for its magical quality and MaryLynn Culbert’s picture of the Inkeeper’s home was a lovely reminder of the property’s beauty and earned third place.
Honorable mentions were given to Shelly Angelo for the picture of the birdbath and flowers, Livia Beasley’s picture of love rocks! was a lot of fun and Gina Scarola’s rainbow-filled picture of the stream left us all with happy thoughts. Gina and her mom used to travel to the Inn together, but she passed away. When Gina took this picture of the stream on a sunny day she was shocked to see the rainbows streaming into the picture – as if her mom were shining down and also enjoying the stream.
There were many more wonderful entries. Take a peek at some of them in the gallery. And thanks to everyone who shared their vision of the Inn with us – it’s wonderful seeing your happy memories. Do know it’s an honor to be part of your life and your traditions. Thanks. And we look forward to you coming back to capture many more happy moments at The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream.

Winter is special and fleeting – so is this offer

Experience the wonder and beauty of Woodstock in winter! For a limited time in February enjoy a two-night midweek stay and receive 50% off the second night. Offer applies to all room categories – even our fireplace suites. Call us now to book at 845-679-8211 or text 845-663-8152.